Group Experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your summer guest capacity? In the summer, we keep our capacity to no more than 20 people so that we are better able to offer a more customized experience for guests staying on our all inclusive packages. However, the rest of the year or for group events, we can sleep up to 40 people and host large events for up to 150 people.

I have never ridden before, can I still enjoy a guest ranch vacation? Absolutely! We have horses suited for novice/beginner riders and because of our small guest numbers, we can spend more personalized time with you to help you learn the ropes and feel more comfortable on horseback.

I have my own horses and have ridden all my life, can I still enjoy a guest ranch vacation? Absolutely! We start and train all our own horses and our goal is always that our horses would be gentle enough for a beginner but light, responsive, and athletic enough for an advanced rider to enjoy.

I don’t really want to ride horses, but the rest of my family does. Can I still enjoy a guest ranch vacation? We offer all-inclusive packages for non riders which include lodging, meals, and ranch activities other than horseback riding. Some activities a non rider would enjoy include: Hiking, mountain biking, Horse shoes, Evening campfires with songs and s’mores, Outdoor hot tub, Basketball, kicking back with a good book, Pool table, Foosball, Fishing with a local outfitter (extra charge), Dinner cruise on lake Pend Orielle, Archery range, Trap shooting, White water rafting (extra charge), Kayaking (extra charge).

Where is the nearest airport? Spokane International Airport (GEG) is the nearest commercial airport which is about 90 miles from the ranch. We recommend you rent a car, however if you prefer, transportation can be arranged for an additional fee. Sandpoint (just 15 miles from the ranch) does have a small airport for private flights.

Do you have a Children’s Program? Yes, Kids staying with family at the ranch on our All Inclusive Package have the opportunity to be involved in our fun and educational children’s program. This program is designed for children age 8 – 18. Hands on experiences with their horse are the centerpiece of this program. Before arriving at the ranch, children will receive our ranch’s horsemanship manual to help expand their learning experience. The program starts on Sunday evening and is concluded on Thursday evening with a horse show, complete with trophies and ribbons. Children will be responsible for their own horse and equipment as they learn horse husbandry skills and equipment care.

What should I pack for my guest ranch vacation? For a complete list of what to bring, along with a few pointers, click HERE.

Do you have a maximum weight/height for riding? Yes, we do have a maximum weight for riding horses. Generally our maximum weight is 240lbs, however if you are over 6 feet tall, we make adjustments on a case by case basis.

How do I prepare for a dude ranch vacation? You do not have to be in perfect shape to go on a dude ranch vacation but, a little bit of proactive work ahead a time can help to prevent or lessen the time it takes your muscles (and your rear) to get used to riding a horse. Read our How to Prepare for a Dude Ranch Vacation blog to get some expert tips.

Are you near a national park? Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is about a 3 ½ hour scenic drive from Glacier National Park’s west entrance. The following are drive times from our ranch to other National Sites:

Roosevelt National Recreation Area – 3 Hours

Lake Chelan National Park – 4 ½ Hours

Nez Perce National Historical Park – 3 Hours

Whiteman Mission National Historical Site – 4 Hours

Do you have riding helmets available for me to use? Yes, we have SEI approved riding helmets available for your use.

Do I have to wear a riding helmet? Adults and children 13 year and older are not required to wear a riding helmet, however they are available for your use should you want one. Children ages 12 and under are required to wear an SEI approved riding helmet. Also, anyone 18 years old and under, visiting the ranch without a parent/guardian on site is required to wear an SEI approved riding helmet.

Do I need to bring “dressier” clothing? “Dressing up” for dinner at the ranch, the dinner cruise or other events is entirely up to you. Show up in your boots or your high heels, either way is fine by us. For the most part we are very casual.

Can I bring my dog to the ranch? We do allow dogs in the cabins but not in the rooms in the lodge. There is a pet fee of $15 per night per pet. Guest pets are not allowed on any rides so please bring a crate your dog can stay in while you are away.

I am staying elsewhere in Sandpoint, can I just come for a horseback ride? Yes, we offer two hour guided trail rides. These are subject to availability and require a reservation. Please plan on giving us at least 24 hour notice.

I would like to visit the ranch in the winter. Are there any activities available at the ranch? We offer horse drawn sleigh rides in a one or two horse open sleigh. Take a sleigh ride to our tree lot and pick out your Christmas tree. We also have more than 10 km of groomed trails for skate or cross country skiing. Strap on your snow shoes and explore our 1100 acre ranch. After your ride or ski, warm up in the lodge with hot chocolate, coffee and fresh popped corn.

I would like to ski at Schweitzer Ski Resort. How far is the ranch from Schweitzer? It is about a 45 minute drive from the ranch to Schweitzer. We offer ski packages which include discounted lift tickets to Schweitzer.

Can I go for a horseback ride in the snow? No, when the snow flies, our saddle horses get to take a vacation.

Can I have a Christmas party at the ranch? Absolutely! Give us a call and we can organize a Christmas party for your business or family.